Café Geraes/Escadabaixo.

Occupying a prime position on the historic Rua Direita, Café Geraes and its downstairs counterpart, Escadabaixo, offer two distinct atmospheres within one 18th-century building. Upstairs, the vibe is that of a classic literary café—high ceilings, wooden floors, and large windows that make it a premier spot for people-watching or lingering over a book on a rainy afternoon. The menu transitions smoothly from coffee and pastries to hearty regional entrées and soups. Below street level, the mood shifts at Escadabaixo, a vaulted stone cellar that serves as the town’s go-to for craft beer and wine. Between the two sits Escadacima, a small shop for those looking to take a bottle of local cachaça or imported ale home. It remains a reliable anchor of Ouro Preto’s social scene, balancing colonial charm with a sophisticated, contemporary energy.